Rotary car dumper



July 8, 1930. E. H. KIDDER ROTARY CAR DUMPER Original Fil d April '7, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet m T a 6% Mr my 5 b m E m AN J 7 10 E E J1 l N Mb wfl w I l I July 8, 1930- E. H. KIDDER ROTARY CAR DUMPER Original Filed April 7, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 fnvanor fZzz/z'n fl z z'dder 8 1930- 5 KIDDER 1,770,275

ROTARY CAR DUMPEP Original Filed April '7, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet :s

July 8, 1930. H. KIDDER ROTARY CAR BUMPER 4 Shuts-Sheet 4 Original Filed April '7, 1924 Inventor. fiwznjfj z deie 7".

in the specification and claims.

- the electric switches;

' pit A er ring A] Patented July 8, 1930 narrsn stares titans Parent eerie-e EL'WIN n. xrnnnn, or CHICAGO, A, ILLINOIS, AssIenon TO LINK-BELT COMPANY, or

CHICAGQ, ILLINOIS, A

conronsrron or ILLINOIS ROTARY CAR. BUMPER Application filed April 7, 1924, Serial IT invention is to provide a car duniper which will be cheap to install and operate and will be of relatively high capacity, will be durable, automatic in its operation and which will adapt itself without special effort on the part of the operator to handle cars of various height, length and breadth interchangeably. Other objects will appear from time to time My invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings, wherein-- Figure l is a side elevation;

Figure 2is an end View with partsin section along the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross section on an enlarged scale taken along the line 33 of Figure l; c

Figure 4: is a diagrammatic showing of Figure 5 is a detail 5-5 of Figure 3.

Like parts are indicate-d by like characters throughout the specification and drawsection along the line 30 ings.

A is a railroad track, either on the ground level or on a built up structure. This railroad track is continued across the open pit or hopper A by a movable track section A This track section A is that part of the track upon which the car will stand when it "is dumped and its contents discharged into the 4 The pit A is bridged by a pair of beams A upon which are mounted pillow blocks A A below and at either side of the track A These pillow blocks carry supporting rollers A A and on these rollers are mounted for rotation two roller ring A The bearing face of the rollis engaged at either side by flanges A, A which hold this ring against lateral movement. The rollersA are flat surfaced so that the ring A is free to move laterally. Both rollers A and A are centrally cut away plates A so as to permit passage of the dumping cables upper surface the track rail A ble.

fer table tends to move under the influence 0. "104,582; Renewed August 15, 1927.

A which are wound around the, roller rings and anchored to spring heldpins. A rotatably mounted in pivot lugs A These cables are dead ended on drums A These drums A are mounted on opposed ends of the dumping shaftB, which dumping shaft has a centrally disposed gear B in mesh with a pinion B driven by a shaft B which leads from a speed reducing gear'B which in turn is connected to a dumping motor B 13 is a solenoid brake on the shaft and electric control means not here shown are provided so. that the operator may ro-' tate the motor B in either direction to rotate the rings, the solenoid brake locking the parts in position when the motor circuit is broken. y r 1 The two roller rings A A are joined together by a built up girder structure C, C, as shown on one side. slab extending inwardly from the built up structure C above the track and terminating at a point ust slightly beyond the center line of the structure. This counterweight also tends'to stiffen the structure and hold the roller rings in proper spaced relation. G is a fixed side support joining the two roller rings and extending beyond them a distance substantially equal to the length of the body of the cars to bedumped. This supportprojects upwardly. substantially as far as the height of the highestcar and terminates at its lower edge when in the upright position at a point approximately level with thesills of the car. C C are cushion blocks of wood or any other suitable material, located on the inner side of this support C -at the outside of the two roller rings. These various structures together hold the roller rings in position and form w1th them a cradle adapted to engage and support the body of the car to be dumped.

D is a'transfer table extending longitudinally through the cradle and carrying on its table is supported onthe two roller rings by means of rollers D D supporting inclined shoes D on the underside of the transfer ta- The inclination is such that the trans- C is a counter-balance Thistranster of gravity to the left as shown in Figure 2. his movement is resisted and prevented by means of downwardly extending transfer table guide hooks D one on either end of the transfer table engaging roller stops D* on the foundation, the relation of the parts being such that when in the position shown in Figure 1, the transfer table is held in a central position in the cradle. D is a wheel guard extending upwardly above the top of the rail on the upper side of the transfer table and adapted to catch the inner side of the wheels of the car truck and to prevent their slipping on the rails while the car is being dumped.

E, E are top clamps, there being two associated with each of the two roller rings. The clamps E project out a short distance inwardly toward the car because they are associated with the side support against which the side of the car will be held. The clamps E however, projectout a considerable distance so as to make sure that they will engage the top of the car body no matter how narrow the car is or how far over it moves. The clamps E and E are arranged in two equalized groups, the groups thus being equalized so that the pressure of all the clamps on the car is equal at all times. The pressure of the two pairs of clamps and E is applied in identically the same manner and a description of one will suffice for both.

Associated with each of the roller rings is a guide F in which the clamps are free to move. Each clamp carries a sheave F around which passes the bight of a flat cable F This cable starts where it is dead ended on a drum F goes around a sheave F* at the lower outside of the roller ring, up over the pulley F down to a sheave F all at the right hand end of the structure as shown in Figure 1. The cable goes thence across to a relief spring F The cable F continues from the relief spring F around a spring supported sheave F a sheave F on the left hand clamp down to a sheave F and back again to the drum F 3 where it is dead ended. Rotation of the drum in a clockwise direc tion winds up on the cable and pulls. the clamp down. There are two of these drums F one at either side of the structure and drive shafts F carry these drums and are driven through a differential F which in turn is driven by the clamping motor F through a gearing in the diiferential similar to that used in an automobile. The differential arrangement assures that the tension on the two clamp loops on either side of the dumping cradle will be the same. The fact that each of the two clamps on either side are in a loop assures that the tension on each clamp will be the same and therefor the clamping effect is completely equalized. The mechanism above described, tends, of course,

only to pull the clamps down and clamp them on the car.

The clamps, except when in operation, are raised. in the upright position by counterweights G, there being one for the pair of clamps on each roller ring. These counterweights are contained in counterweight housings G projecting laterally from the roller rings and they are free to swing in these housings being held against displacement in the direction of the axis of the machine but free to swing between the outer wall of the housing and an inclined counterwei 'ht guide G The angle of the counterweight guide is such that when the apparatus is in the dumping position, the counterweight as it rests on that guide has no tendency to slip down toward the guide sheave G and there is associated with the counterwei 'ht, a wood block G, which engaging the counterweight guide, offers more resistance to movement than would be ofiered by the counterweight with the guide. At the upper end of this counterweight guide is a sheave G over which travels the cable from the counterweight G. This cable passes over a sheave G and terminates in a hanger carrying a sheave G adapted to travel along a guide G G is a cable leading from the top clamp E over a sheave G Around the sheave G back to a sheave G over a sheave G to the top of clamp E thus the weight of the counterweight exerted through the sheave G tenos to raise both of the clamps and the raising effect of the counterweight is equalized. The counterweight is free to swing in its housing through a limited excursion as the entire apparatus rotates. Obviously when a car is being dumped, the counterweight ac tion is of no consequence because the clamps are seatedon the top of the car and it is only necessary to provide a satisfactory housing and guiding mechanism for the counterweight to assure that it will not get out of control and will be ready to go into operation when needed.

The relieving spring F 6 is provided so that when the car is tilted and the weight of the car and its load removed from the car springs, the relieving spring will yield and protect the parts against damage.

is a stop on the pillow block A H is a spring mounted on a bracket H on the roller ring supporting a spring plunger H adapted to contact the stop H and to cushion the return of the dumping mechanism to the upright position.

K is a limit switch arranged on the foundation having the levers K K adapted to be engaged respectively by lugs K K on the roller ring to throw the switch and break the dumping circuit as the apparatus reaches the two ends of its excursion, that is, as it reaches the limit of its dumping movement and as it returns to the upright position, thus insuring that the operator cannot, even if negligent, over run far enough to damage the apparatus. K is a limit switch having a lever K adapted to engage a lug II on the roller ring. The lug does not engage the lever until the rotating dumping parts have started their movement and travelled approximately ten degrees. When the lever is engaged and the switch is operated, it closes a circuit through the clamping motor and the clamping motor operated in the forward direction to bring the clamps down against the top of the car. This motor operatesuntil the tension in the cable loops is sufficient to compress the spring K which supports the sheave F? and to cause a plunger associated with the switch K to operate it to open the motor circuit, thus allowing the solenoid brake to set and hold the clamps inplace. The only thing that closes this circuit at this time is the tension in the cable compressing the spring K If it should happen that a lump of coal or other foreign material had been caught between one of the clamps and the car and if as dumping took place that lump of coal should be crushed or displaced, this would result in reducing the tension inthe system sufficiently to permit the spring to expand, the switch would then be closed and the motor would start up and take up the slack. Upon return movement in reversed direction just before the apparatus reaches an upright position,

the clamping motor is reversed by engagement of the lug with the switch and the clamps are released. K is a limit switch associated with the sheave G operated to protect the circuit and stop the motor when the clamps are raised to the maximum amount.

It will be evident that while I have shown an operative'device, stillmany changes might be made in the size, shape and arrangement of parts. without departing materially from the spirit of my invention and I wish, therefore, that my showing be taken as in a sense diagrammatic.

The use and operation of my invention are as follows:

With the parts in their normal or upright position, the transfer table is held with the track carried thereby in line with the approach tracks, the clamps are up, and everything is at rest. A car is run onto the transfer table. If it were not for the stop hooks at the end of the transfer table, the weight of the car and table would cause lateral movement of both to bring the car body into. engagement with the side wall. The stops prevent this. The operator then starts the dumping motor and the mechanism is rotated. As it is rotated the stop hooks on the transfer table remain in contact with the stops on the foundation but the transfer table moves with respect to the cradle and under the influence of the inclined roller engaging shoes thereon until the car body is brought into engagement with the cushion members on the opposedends of the side wall of the cradle. After this, further rotation causes the automatic operation of the clamping motor. The clamping motor draws the four clamps down against the top of the car and stops its operation when the tension in the cable is SUfliCleIli to compress the spring supporting the sheave though the circuit is closed at the normal operating switch during the entire time the dumping is taking place. The rotation continues sufficiently to permit the contents of the car to be dumped out through the space between the counterweight and the side wall. If the operator does not stop the motor, the limit switch will stop it anyway; Normally he will throw off the power as the end of the excursion is reached and reverse it when dumping is com pleted, returning the cradle in the opposite direction back to the vertical position. As the cradle returns and after the car is again substantially upright, the automatic switch will function and the clamping motor will be reversed permitting the clamps to raise above the car but leaving the car with its side against the side wall of the cradle. As' the end of the excursion is reached, the hooks on the transfer table engage the stops on the foundation and the rotary movement of the transfer table is checked and the cradle goes on carrying the side wall away from the side of the car. The gradual engagement with the hooks with the stops, cushions the stoppage of the transfer table and therefore no separate cushioning means. for the transfer table are needed.

I claim: r

1. A car dump comprising a pair of parallel roller rings, a vertically disposed side platform joining them on one side, an open girder structure joining them at the other and a horizontally disposed counterweight slab joining them toward the top, the slab terminating intermediate the center line of the roller rings and the side platform.

' 2. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle, a transfer table therein and opposed rollers and inclined track members interposed between them tending to cause the table to move laterally in the cradle under the influence of gravity, and stop members engaging the table and unconnected with the cradle and for holding the table central in the cradle when the latter is in the upright position, comprising hooks on the transfer table and fixed roller abutmentsengaged by them.

3. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle having spaced supporting roller rings, fixed supporting rollers upon which the rings are mounted, a transfer table, inclinedshoes thereonengaging the rollers in the roller rings and means independent of'the cradle vand'rollin .au

er rings for holding the transfer table central in the cradle when the latter is in the upright position.

4. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle having spaced supporting roller rings, fixed supporting rollers upon which the rings are mounted, a transfer table, inclined shoes thereon engaging the rollers in the roller rings and means for holding the transfer table in central position in the cradle when the latter is in the upright position.

5. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a pair of top clamps arranged on the same side'of the cradle and adapted to engage the top of a car at opposed ends, means for moving and holding the clamps in clamping position and for equalizing the pressure exerted by them, there be ing a similar pair of clamps on the opposed side of the cradle similarly equalized together with means interposed between the two pairs for equalizing the two pairs.

6. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a pair of top clamps, one adapted to engage the top of the car at each end, a clamping drum and means for rotating it, a cable wound at one end about the drum and in engagement with both clamps whereby tension on the cable draws the clamps with equalized pressure down against the top of the car.

7. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a pair of top clamps, one adapted to engage the top of the car at each end, a clamping drum and means for rotating it, a cable wound at one end about the drum and in engagement with both clamps whereby tension on the cable draws the clamps with equalized pressure down against the top of the car, and a relief spring interposed between and forming a part of the cable.

8. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a pair of top clamps, one adapted toengage the top of the car at each end, a clamping drum and means for rotating it, a cable wound at one end about the drum and in engagement with both clamps whereby tension on the cable draws the clamps with equalized pressure down against the top of the car, there being a similar clamp and cable assembly on the opposed side of the cradle, drive shafts for each of the drums, a dilierential gear system joining them and means operative through the difi'erential for driving the two shafts.

9. In a car dump, a top clamp adapted to hold the car in position for dumping, power means for'moving the clamp into operating position and holding it there and yielding means adapted to discontinue the operation of the power means when the force exerted by the clamp exceeds a predetermined point, and to automatically cause the power means to resume operation upon a reduction beyond such point of the pressure exerted by the clamp.

10. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a clamp movable on the cradle toward and from the top of the car to hold it in position, a cable adapted to draw the clamp down against the car, means for hauling on the cable to effect such movement, a yielding means associated with the cable for stopping the operation of the hauling means when the tension in the cable exceeds a predetermined point.

11. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a clamp movable on the cradle toward and from the top 0 of the car to hold it in position, a cable adapted to draw the clamp down against the car, means for hauling on the cable to effect such movement, a yielding means associated with the cable for stopping the operation of the hauling means when the tension in the cable exceeds a predetermined point, and for causing resumption of the hauling movement w ien the cable tension decreases beyond such predetermined point.

12. In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a clamp movable to 'ard and from the car to clamp it in position, means for moving it and a counterweight tending normally to raise the clamp above the car in opposition to the first mentioned means, the clamps being arranged in opposed pairs across the car, there being an equalizing means associated with a single counterweight and each of the two clamps to cause them to be equally drawn upwardly by the counterweight.

13. In a car dump, a roller ring, two top clamps carried thereby and adapted to be moved toward and from the car, a counterweight housing associated with the roller ring, a counterweight contained therein, an equalizing pulley and cable system interposed between the counterweight and the two clamps and mounted on the roller ring.

1 In a car dump, a rotatable cradle adapted to carry a car to be dumped, a top clamp car ied thereby, a motor adapted to draw the top clamp down and hold it against the top of the car, a cable interposed between the motor and the clamp, and yielding means responsive to the tension on the cabe for breaking the motor circuit.

15. In a car dump, a rotatably mounted roller ring, a top clamp slidable therein toward and from the car, a counterweight housing mounted on the roller ring, a counterweight therein and a connection between it and the clamp whereby the clamp is normally held away from the car.

16. In a car dump, a rotatably mounted roller ring, a top clamp slidable therein toward and from the car, a counterweight housing mounted on the roller rin a counter- I weight therein and a connection between it and the clamp whereby the clamp is normally held away from the car, the counterweight housing being adapted to maintain the counterweight in proper relation to the other parts independent of the rotary movement of the roller ring.

17. Ina car dump, a plurality of top clamps arranged in two pairs on opposed sides of the car, cables associated with each pair and means for pulling in said cables to move each pair toward and from the car to clamp it, a

drive means for said cables and a difierential drive shaft interposed between it and each cable whereby the pressure exerted by all the clamps is equalized. g

18. In a rotary car dump, a pair of roller rings, supporting rollers therefor, means for applying power to the periphery of each of the rings simultaneously to rotate the dump, a rigid frame-work connecting the roller rings and a counter balance plate interposed.

between them inside their periphery at a point above the normal position of the car when in the upright position.

19. In a rotary car dump, a pair of roller rings, supporting rollers therefor, means for applying power to the periphery of each of the rings simultaneously to rotate the dump, a rigid frame-work connecting the roller rings and a counter balance plate interposed between them inside their periphery at a point above the normal position of the car when in the upright position, a transverse table carried by the roller rings adapted for movement in the plane of the rings through a limited excursion, said table extending laterally on either end beyond the roller rings, anti-friction supporting means interposed etween the transverse table and the roller rings whereby the transverse table is entirely supported. V I

Signed at Chicago, county of Cook and State of Illinois, this 31st day of March, 1924.

ELWIN I-I. KIDDER. 

